The Nigeria Police Force has recorded fresh operational successes across several states of the federation, reinforcing the effectiveness of the crime-fighting strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as security operatives intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal elements nationwide.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the nationwide operations, which covered the reporting period ending 8 July 2026, resulted in the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the arrest of 14 suspects, the neutralisation of three armed suspects, and the recovery of four firearms, 350 rounds of ammunition and three stolen vehicles.
In Bauchi State, joint security operatives rescued three kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation around the Yankari Game Reserve, while tactical operations remain ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In Benue State, police operatives arrested the principal suspect in the double homicide involving Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo and his son at an NDLEA checkpoint. In another operation in Logo Local Government Area, one bandit was neutralised, while ammunition, a motorcycle and charms were recovered. Efforts are also underway to rescue a female victim abducted in Katsina-Ala.
A female kidnap victim was rescued in Delta State after she was found unconscious and immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment.
In Edo State, security operatives commenced bush-combing operations following the abduction of a cattle dealer. Police also arrested an official of the Edo State Security Corps over alleged cultism and recovered a pump-action gun.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police recovered two stolen vehicles and arrested two suspects linked to vehicle theft, including the same-day recovery of a stolen Toyota RAV4.
Police in Gombe State arrested four suspects in connection with culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt following a violent land dispute that claimed one life.
In Imo State, police recovered 346 rounds of assorted ammunition and seven magazines during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout. In a separate operation, operatives foiled an assassination attempt, arrested four suspects and recovered two locally fabricated pistols alongside additional ammunition.
A suspected bandit attack on a Fulani settlement in Jigawa State left one person dead and another abducted, with search-and-rescue operations continuing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
In Nasarawa State, police recovered a pistol linked to a homicide investigation and rescued one of three abducted university students, while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Police in Niger State arrested a mentally unstable suspect over a culpable homicide incident that resulted in one death and left two others injured.
In Ogun State, a 60-year-old Imam was arrested for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl and attempting to terminate her pregnancy.
Police operatives in Ondo State neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle while foiling a kidnap attempt, recovering one pistol, a live cartridge and other incriminating items.
In Plateau State, one suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of a locally fabricated pistol and a knife after causing public panic at a healthcare facility.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, police arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and recovered two stolen sheep, leading to further recovery efforts. In another incident, one person was killed and another injured during a bandit attack, prompting intensified forest operations to track down the attackers.
The Force noted that kidnapping remained the most prevalent serious crime during the reporting period, with eight cases recorded nationwide, followed by six homicide cases, one case each of banditry, cultism and gender-based violence. No cases of armed robbery or terrorism were recorded during the period.
The statement added that the operational gains reflect the sustained implementation of intelligence-driven policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and enhanced community engagement under the leadership of IGP Disu, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to consolidating these gains through proactive policing and intensified crime prevention efforts across the country.
